Struggling to Make Ends Meet: A Homeless Man’s Daily Battle
In Bolton, Jamie Wynne shares his struggle to find shelter amid freezing temperatures, highlighting the harsh realities of homelessness.
Bolton, UK, Homelessness, Winter, Charity
Bolton: “I can’t stay on the streets… it’s absolutely freezing.”
That’s Jamie Wynne, a 38-year-old guy who’s been sleeping rough for a few months now. He’s sitting on some cold, damp steps, not sure where he’ll end up tonight.
As the mist rolls through Bolton town center, people are bundled up against the biting cold. Most will be inside soon, but not Jamie. He’s out here, trying to scrape together enough cash for a bed and breakfast.
“I need to make about £19,” he says. “Some nights I get it, some nights I don’t.” It’s a tough way to live, especially with the weather being so brutal lately.
Just a few days into 2025, the region has seen heavy rain, snow, and ice. The Met Office even warned about icy conditions, with temperatures dropping to -5C. It’s been a rough start to the year.
Nearby, there’s Damien Dyer, 39, who’s also feeling the chill. He’s been on the streets for seven weeks and knows how hard it is to find warmth in this weather.
“I can’t stay out here,” he says. “It’s freezing. I’ve been homeless before, but never in winter.” He’s worried about how to stay warm and safe.
Then there’s Dale Glaister, 36, who has a place to stay tonight but worries about his safety. “I always find somewhere,” he says, “but people can be cruel.”
In Bolton, local councils and charities are stepping up to help those in need. The Outreach Enterprise has been around for over 30 years, working hard to support rough sleepers.
CEO Dave Bagley MBE says they’re ready to help anyone who needs it. “We’re in touch with all the rough sleepers in Bolton,” he explains. When the weather gets bad, they have emergency protocols to get people off the streets and into warm places.
Dave feels like they’re managing the situation, even if it’s not easy. “We’ve come out of a tough time post-Covid, and while we still have rough sleepers, it’s not unmanageable.”
Bolton council also reassures that they’re doing everything they can. They’ve offered accommodation to those in need and have support services available 24/7. “No one in Bolton should have to sleep rough,” they say.